Dustin wanted a Pirate Party for his 3rd birthday, with the help of a few good friends we made it happen.
Jenny made this sign by hand and even made the Polka Dots..Thats love :)
I really wanted to make Dustin's cake, but decided I didn't want to over do it and stress myself out. We went to Pavilions and picked out the perfect pirate cake. I made brownies and topped them with icing. The goodie bags were full of fun little treasures.
We had treats that matched the theme, Goldfish, Capt'n Crunch, Capt'ns Treasure, Parrot Food (fruit loops) I put them in single serve baggies so the kids could take them home.
All of the games and activities were done by Play Action Parties. They were great with the kids and had a never ending list of fun activities.
We hid chocolate coins and different treasures around the grass and the kids went on a treasure hunt
Cake Time
Thank you everyone for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts!
March 5th 2012 my precious son turned 3 years old. These last 3 years have been the best years of my life. Yes, there have been ups and down and turn arounds, but nothing that can take away the joy of being my sons mother :)
We started the day with a special birthday breakfast (#3 pancakes)
First Birthday Gift ( I won from a fundraising auction..(SCORE!)
We went to dinner at Rainforest Cafe, Dustin was so happy his buddy hunter surprised him. I love how Dustin is looking at the cake like I want to eat it, and Hunter is focused on the candle :)
Present Time
This day was very hard for me because it was his first birthday that I had to work. I remember feeling for other mothers who had to feel what I was feeling. I felt like I was a bad mother, I felt inadequate. I felt horrible the whole day, but thank God everything went well and Dustin had a wonderful time. It's so hard being a working mother but that does not mean I am a bad mother. I remind myself and my children daily how much I love them. I make the time that I have with special special and I make it memorable.
My sweet baby Mason is almost 15 months. Thankfully he is still acts like a baby. I am in no hurry for him to grow up. Mason still loves to cuddle, he cries when I leave the room. He runs and hugs my legs EVERY TIME he sees me. I so enjoy being his mommy. We are in such a good place right now and I am so thankful for my sweet Mason. I do have to blow his cover though, he isn't always a sweetie pie. We found out he has a little mean streak. I know I shouldn't laugh about it but its so fun, I can't help myself. Mason loves cell phones, mostly just mine, but he take ownership and will not return them. I say "Mason, please give mommy her phone"..He shows me the phone and gently places it my palm and squeezes the phone with all his might and darts off for the room. Every few seconds he will peek out his little head to see if I remember, I always remind him that I still need my phone. When I do get the phone for him he cries, not just any cry, the waterworks and all. He throws himself on the ground, keeps tossing his head back, just enough to not hurt himself. I mean it's not even an Iphone. After a few seconds he realizes I am not giving in so he come hug me and says "Ma? mama"...
Mason is also very rough with his brother. Dustin is kind with Mason and we are always teaching him to share & protect his brother. I think lil Mase sees this as an opportunity, to get his way. If Dustin has a toy Mason wants, Mason will cry and Dustin will rub his head "it's ok baby brother I'm sorry I didn't give you the toy...Shhh Shhh" So Mason walks away with his brothers toy and with Dustin feeling like he hurt Mason's feelings. A few days ago Dustin didn't want to give up his toy so he told me "Mommy baby brother is trying to take my toy and not share and not being a good example" so I told Mason that was not right. Mason was so upset he cried and the walked away, when he though I was out of the picture he ran full force planting his head into Dustin's belly. Dustin cried but immediately started apologizing to Mason for not letting him have the toy...
Mason's favorite past time is getting stuck on their train table. He opens a drawer, climbs in and then climbs on top of the table. Its all fun and games while he is throwing all the toys off the train table (about 5 seconds) and then he screams. He stands on the same spot and just screams. I tell him over and over that he should not go up if he can't get down. So daddy or myself rescue him and he laughs, and does it all over again...
Mason is also very rough with his brother. Dustin is kind with Mason and we are always teaching him to share & protect his brother. I think lil Mase sees this as an opportunity, to get his way. If Dustin has a toy Mason wants, Mason will cry and Dustin will rub his head "it's ok baby brother I'm sorry I didn't give you the toy...Shhh Shhh" So Mason walks ways with his brothers toy and with Dustin feeling like he hurt Mason's feelings. A few days ago Dustin didn't want to give up his toy so he told me "Mommy baby brother is trying to take my toy and not share and not being a good example" so I told Mason that was not right. Mason was so upset he cried and the walked away, when he though I was out of the picture he ran full force into planting his head into Dustin's belly. Dustin cried but immediately started apologizing to Mason for not letting him have the toy...
I think we have a classic case of Pinky & The Brain lol
All joking aside Mason is really a sweet boy :) He has so much personality its funny :)
*disclaimer- In no way shape, form, idea are my children associated with, related to, or belong to any entities that may or may not be owned my pinky and/or the brain. In no way shape, form or idea do the children mentioned above have any plans to take over the world be it as a team or individual.
Next Monday I will be saying Goodbye to "Terrible Twos" and welcoming in the "Terrific Threes". My precious lil boy is turning 3, this change is happening faster than I ever anticipated. The title of my post was just a title, I don't think the 2's were all terrible. There were definitely trying times , but much more happy joyful, and pleasant times. Over the last year Dustin has developed so much, mentally and physically. He is so smart, strong, funny, kind, silly and so much more.
His best role yet is Big Brother. Seeing my two boys together warms my heart, it's so weird because they were totally meant to be brothers. Dustin has really softened his tone & touch. It's important for Dustin to be "a good example to brubber (brother)". My baby has step in these shoes that seem so big to be and they actually fit him well. Dustin is very cautious of Mason, he is always helping him and watching his step.
Dustin is also a chatter box, I know exactly where he gets it from. His little mind is a very big sponge and soaks up everything. Sometimes he will sit quietly and you can just tell he is taking it all in. He repeats everything, and I mean everything!
Yesterday I gave Dustin his tools, so he was playing in his room and come out in the living room carrying 2 monster trucks, lightening McQueen & his tool box. He boldly says:
"Hi Mom, these truck are ready to race, but first I need to change the tires"..."Uh oh MOMMY, where are my screwers (screw driver)?...Oh yeah its in my room".....He found his screwers changes the tires and they were good to go.
Dustin has also developed reasoning skills... He may be a lawyer because he thinks he is a pretty good negotiator.
We told Dustin is was bed time and that his tools needed to go back in the room. He trys to put up a little fight then does as he is told. He comes back in the living room with his blankie and sits on the couch crying. I ask him whats the matter and he sobs:
"I'm really berry sad Mommy, I don't want to play with my tewls"...I tell him he doesn't have to play with his told he just needs to go to bed.. "But Mommy, I not berry happy with this" Me "well Dustin what do you want?" "Mommy I just love you and need to be with you and daddy.....PAUSE....and I just want to play trucks and watch cartoons. See that's not bad right Mommy?"
I loved the 2 year old stage because it taught me a lot as a mother. That stage has taught me be patient and more understanding.
I am so excited for this next chapter in our lives. Sometimes being a parent is hard, and I feel like throwing in the towel, but thanks to my husband I am quick to remind my self "It's won't be like this for long"...
To all you parents "This phase is gonna fly by, if you can just hold cuz it won't be like this for ling"
